Traffic

The Thunder Bay Police Service continued conducting snowmobile patrols over this past weekend, patrolling in the area of Highway 61 and Loch Lomond Road.

Police stopped and spoke with more than 20 riders throughout the day. Officers were checking for safe driving habits, sobriety and ensuring riders had proper documentation and insurance.

Police would like to remind the public that you are required to carry all your necessary documents with you when you are out riding your snowmobile and if you leave your property you require insurance.

With all the early snow this season you might want to spend some time outdoors on your snowmobile.

There are a couple important things to consider first. All snowmobiles within Ontario are required to be registered and the registration number is to be displayed on the snowmobile, even if it is used on private property. If you leave your private property, your snowmobile requires an annual validation sticker and insurance under a vehicle insurance policy.

Impaired driving, or at least the interception of it, appears to be at an all-time high, according to the final 2018 figures from the Thunder Bay Police Service.

With the conclusion of the Festive RIDE season, the police service is reporting that 178 people were arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle in 2018, up from 175 in 2017. That figure, however, is consistent with the significantly increased number over the past few years. In the first half of the decade, the number of impaired drivers arrested per year averaged 120.

If the dangers of distracted driving haven't been enough to prevent some drivers from using their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, beginning January 1st, 2019, distracted driving penalties are increasing substantially once again.

The set fine for a first offence will be $615, including surcharges and costs, and upon conviction it will include 3 demerit points and a 3-day license suspension.

A ceremonial kickoff event took place in front of the Mac’s Convenience store on Arthur and Franklin Streets. Police services taking part in the Festive RIDE program include the Anishinabek Police Service, CP Police, CN Police, Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and the Thunder Bay Police Service.

A traffic stop was initiated by an officer who observed a vehicle with no rear license plate in the area of Frederica Street and Brown Street just after 8:00 p.m. on November 13, 2018. The driver of the vehicle exited and began to run away.

The officer caught up to the male and attempted to arrest him. Other officers arrived on scene and the male was taken into custody. He was searched and officers located drugs, cash and a knife in his possession. A check of the CPIC system showed him to be a disqualified driver and on a few court orders.

On October 29th, 2018, just after 8 pm, Thunder Bay Police responded to a motor vehicle collision which occurred on Fort William Road north of Mooney Street. Upon arrival, responding officers located a pedestrian on the roadway who was deceased as a result of the collision.

The Thunder Bay Police Traffic Unit was called to the scene to complete the investigation. The roadway was closed for several hours while evidence was gathered.